Good advice. I think at this point, the Dremel is out, unless there is a buffing or polishing technique. But for now, it's more hand sanding. I'm not doing any filler or Bondo. That was just a reference. The plastic is pretty hard and the hand sanding is really making it look better and better. Lid opens and closes perfectly. I used the small cutting wheel to cut grooves in the under side to hold the touch pad in place. Works like a charm.

You could use a B&D mega mouse ( http://store.yahoo.com/tylertool/blmsmemosaki.html ) it has a detail sanding attachment, that I cannot find a picture of, that would work great for that and still give you the control you need. I have one and it works great!

Stay away from the polishing buffs for the dremel. The friction heats it up quickly and melted plastic starts flying. Yeah, I've done it. :-) However, they can take rust off aluminum rims in seconds and polish dull metal to a chrome looking finish. Any time I try to use the dremel to make something flat like that, I wind up making it worse and then have to hand sand it again.

Now assuming the touchpad will be mounted the long way towards the front of the car, how will you rotate the mousepad control 90 degrees so that when you move up it's not really right or left.

Kinda hard to word, but that was one of my concerns.

Not sure I follow your question, but I will try to address.

The ash tray sits long ways, left to right (driver to pass). The top flip up towards the shifter and radio. When I rest my hand on the center console arm rest, it feels like a natural position for me. Good thing I'm right handed. Yes, it would be rather difficult for a left handed driver, just another thing they have to learn how to do with their right. As for the passenger, well they shouldn't be touching it anyway. Actually, they can use the touch screen if their not left handed. Hope this helps.